Electric drive unit

Abstract

The present invention discloses an electric drive device. The electric drive device provides a partially redundant system or a fully redundant system that is at least partially redundant. The electric drive device (10) has a plurality of circuit systems (12a, 12b). The electric drive device (10) includes a common circuit (90) extending over at least two of the plurality of circuit systems in at least a portion of the electrical circuit (12). The common circuit (90) includes a connection line (93) for power supply and / or supplementary signals. For each redundant circuit system, at least one of a power supply circuit, an interface circuit, a power cut-off circuit, and a connector is not separated and independent from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electric drive devices. Background Art

[0002] JP6223593B discloses an electric drive device. Summary of the invention

[0003] JP6223593B provides a redundant system in an electric motor drive. JP6223593B includes a power supply circuit, an input circuit, an output circuit, a power supply relay circuit, a central processing unit and a connector. These components are separated and independent from each other in two systems and arranged side by side. From the above viewpoints or from other unmentioned viewpoints, there is a need for further improvement of the electric drive device.

[0004] The object of the disclosure is to provide a reliable electric drive device.

[0005] The disclosure herein provides an electric drive device. The electric drive device includes: a motor for driving an object to be driven; and an electric circuit including a plurality of circuit systems for controlling the motor, wherein each of the plurality of circuit systems includes: a power conversion circuit for controlling the power supplied to the motor; an arithmetic processing unit circuit for calculating a control amount of the power conversion circuit according to a plurality of input / output signals; and a drive circuit for driving the power conversion circuit in response to a command from the arithmetic processing device, wherein at least one of the circuits is provided by a common circuit common to at least two of the plurality of circuit systems, and wherein the circuit includes a power cutoff circuit for cutting off the power supply to the motor, an interface circuit for processing a plurality of input / output signals, and a power supply circuit for supplying power to the arithmetic processing unit circuit and the interface circuit.

[0006] According to the disclosed electric drive device, at least one of the power cutoff circuit, the interface circuit and the power supply circuit is provided by a common circuit shared by multiple circuit systems. By providing multiple circuit systems, reliability is improved by the provided redundancy, and efficiency is improved by the common circuit.

[0007] The disclosure herein provides an electric drive device. The electric drive device includes: a motor for driving an object to be driven; an electrical circuit including a plurality of circuit systems for controlling the motor; and at least two connectors having a plurality of electrodes for connecting a power source and a plurality of input / output signals, wherein the plurality of electrodes are asymmetrically arranged on the plurality of connectors.

[0008] According to the disclosed electric drive device, a plurality of electrodes are asymmetrically arranged in a plurality of connectors. Therefore, even if an erroneous connection occurs in a plurality of connectors, a plurality of input / output signal lines are not connected in a properly designed manner. Therefore, it is possible to reliably display an erroneous connection in the connector while maintaining the reliability of the electric drive device including the electric circuit.

[0009] The disclosure herein provides an electric drive device, which includes a motor for driving an object to be driven, an electrical circuit including a plurality of circuit systems for controlling the motor, and an odd number of connectors having a plurality of electrodes for connecting a power source and a plurality of input / output signals.

[0010] According to the disclosed electric drive device, by providing a plurality of circuit systems, the electric circuit is made redundant. Therefore, the reliability of the electric drive device including the electric circuit is improved. On the other hand, an odd number of connectors enables a power source and a plurality of input / output signals to be more efficiently connected to the plurality of circuit systems.

[0011] The aspects disclosed in this specification adopt different technical solutions from each other to achieve their respective purposes. The reference numerals in brackets described in the claims and this section exemplarily show the corresponding relationship with the parts of the embodiments to be described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The purposes, features and advantages disclosed in this specification will become apparent by referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system according to a first embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2 is the electrical block diagram of the electric drive device;

[0014] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a power supply circuit;

[0015] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a system according to a second embodiment;

[0016] Figure 5 is the electrical block diagram of the electric drive device;

[0017] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of a power supply circuit;

[0018] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a third embodiment;

[0019] Figure 8 is the circuit diagram of the input circuit;

[0020] Fig. 9 is the circuit diagram of the input circuit;

[0021] Fig.10 is a flow chart showing a control process;

[0022] Fig.11 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a fourth embodiment;

[0023] Fig.12 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a fifth embodiment;

[0024] Fig.13 is a plan view showing a connector of an electric drive device;

[0025] Fig.14 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a sixth embodiment;

[0026] Fig.15 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a seventh embodiment;

[0027] Fig.16 is a circuit diagram of a power supply circuit;

[0028] Fig.17 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to an eighth embodiment;

[0029] Fig.18 is the circuit diagram of the input circuit;

[0030] Fig.19 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a ninth embodiment;

[0031] Fig. 20 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a tenth embodiment;

[0032] Fig.21 It is a circuit diagram of a power cut-off circuit;

[0033] Fig. 22 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to an eleventh embodiment;

[0034] Fig.23 is a plan view showing a connector of an electric drive device;

[0035] Fig.24 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a twelfth embodiment;

[0036] Fig.25 is a plan view showing a connector of an electric drive device;

[0037] Fig.26 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a thirteenth embodiment;

[0038] Fig. 27 is a plan view showing a connector of an electric drive device;

[0039] Fig.28 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a fourteenth embodiment;

[0040] Fig.29 is a plan view showing a connector of an electric drive device;

[0041] Fig.30 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a fifteenth embodiment;

[0042] Fig.31 is a plan view showing a connector of an electric drive device;

[0043] Fig.32 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a sixteenth embodiment;

[0044] Fig.33 is a plan view showing a connector of an electric drive device;

[0045] Fig.34 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to a seventeenth embodiment;

[0046] Fig.35 is a plan view showing a connector of an electric drive device;

[0047] Fig.36 is a block diagram of an electric drive device according to an eighteenth embodiment; and

[0048] Fig.37 is a plan view showing a connector of an electric drive device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Several embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In some embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding and / or associated parts are given the same reference numerals or reference numerals with different hundreds or higher digits. For corresponding and / or associated parts, reference can be made to the description of other embodiments.

[0050] First embodiment

[0051] Figure 1An electric steering device 1 as a system for a vehicle is shown. The electric steering device 1 operates a steering mechanism 2 of the vehicle. The steering mechanism 2 changes the moving direction of the vehicle. Note that the term vehicle in this specification should be interpreted in a broad sense and includes land vehicles, ships, aircraft, simulation devices, and entertainment devices. The steering mechanism 2 operates the direction of the wheel or the direction of the rudder. The electric steering device 1 has a manual operating mechanism 3. The manual operating mechanism 3 enables the user to perform manual operation. The electric steering device 1 has an electric drive mechanism 4. The electric drive mechanism 4 can achieve steering related to the user's intention and / or steering that is independent of the user's intention in response to a request from another control device. The electric drive mechanism 4 is used, for example, to assist the user's operating force. Alternatively or additionally, the electric drive mechanism 4 is used, for example, to provide operating force for automatic driving. The electric steering device 1 is also referred to as an electric power-assisted steering device.

[0052] The steering mechanism 2 changes the moving direction of the vehicle by deflecting the rotation axis of the wheel 5. The steering mechanism 2 includes, for example, the wheel 5, a steering hub, a tie rod 6, a steering gear box 7, and a steering column 8. The rotation of the steering column 8 is converted into parallel movement by the steering gear box 7 and transmitted to the tie rod 6. The steering gear box 7 can be set by a rack and pinion type or a ball and nut type. The tie rod 6 deflects the rotation axis of the wheel 5 by operating the steering hub. The manual operating mechanism 3 has a steering handle 9. The user manipulates the steering handle 9 to rotate the steering column 8. The electric drive mechanism 4 has an electric drive device 10. The electric drive device 10 drives the steering mechanism 2 as a drive target.

[0053] The electric drive device 10 includes a connector 11, an electrical circuit (ECU / INV) 12, a motor (M) 13, and a power transmission mechanism 14. The connector 11 is an electrical connection member including a plurality of electrodes. The connector 11 has a fixed portion belonging to the electric drive device 10 and a movable portion belonging to the vehicle side. The electrical circuit 12 includes a control device (ECU) that operates at a relatively low power and an inverter circuit (INV) that is a high-power circuit for the motor 13. The electrical circuit 12 includes a plurality of circuit systems that control the motor 13. The electrical circuit 12 includes two circuit systems 12a and 12b. The two circuit systems 12a and 12b make the control system redundant for the motor 13. The word redundancy is also referred to as multiplexing.

[0054] The motor 13 includes a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a stator core and a stator coil. The motor 13 drives an object to be driven. The motor 13 includes a single rotor and at least two stator coils. The two circuit systems provided by the two stator coils improve the reliability of the motor 13. Note that the motor 13 may include two rotor core parts that provide two systems. In addition, the motor 13 may include three or more circuit systems. The power transmission mechanism 14 transmits the torque of the motor 13 to the steering column 8. The power transmission mechanism 14 may be provided by various mechanisms such as a gear train and a chain.

[0055] The electric power steering device 1 includes a control system 20 including an electric circuit 12. The control system 20 includes a torque sensor system 15, a power supply system 21, an operation switch system 24, and a communication system 27. The torque sensor system 15 detects an operation force by which a user operates the manual operation mechanism 3. The power supply system 21 supplies power to the electric circuit 12 and the motor 13. The operation switch system 24 switches between an operation state and a stop state of the electric power steering device 1. The communication system 27 provides data communication between a plurality of devices in a vehicle.

[0056] The torque sensor system 15 has at least two torque sensors including a torque sensor (TQS1) 16 and a torque sensor (TQS2) 17. The torque sensor 16 and the torque sensor 17 detect torque acting on the steering column 8. The detected torque indicates the operating force acting on the manual operating mechanism 3. At least two of the plurality of torque sensors 16 and 17 provide a redundant torque sensor system 15. The redundant torque sensor system 15 improves the reliability of the control system 20. The torque sensor signals TQS1 and TQS2 may include a plurality of signal lines.

[0057] The power supply system 21 has a single power supply device (PWS) 22. The power supply device 22 supplies power to at least the electrical circuit 12 and the motor 13. The power supply device 22 is a power supply installed on the vehicle. The power supply device 22 may include various power supplies, such as a battery, a generator, and a fuel cell. The main power supply +B is a power supply for the motor 13, and is also a control power supply for the controllers 51 and 71. The main power supply +B may include a positive electrode line and a negative electrode line.

[0058] The operating switch system 24 has a single operating switch device (PSW) 25. The operating switch device 25 includes a switch indicating the operating state and the stop state of the electric steering device 1. The operating switch device 25 is, for example, a switch operated by a user. The operating switch device 25 is referred to by various names, such as a power switch, an ignition switch, and an activation switch. The operating switch device 25 outputs an operating signal indicating the operating state and the stop state. In addition, the operating switch device 25 can supply power to the electrical circuit 12 in the operating state, and can cut off the power supply in the stop state. In this embodiment, the operating switch device 25 controls both the operating signal and the power supply. The operating switch signal IG is provided by the operating switch device 25. The operating switch signal IG is a signal for controlling the devices 51 and 71 and also the power supply. The operating switch signal IG is also referred to as an ignition signal, a power switch signal, etc.

[0059] The communication system 27 has a single communication line (COM) 28. The communication line 28 receives data transmitted from another device in the vehicle and inputs the data to the electrical circuit 12. The communication line 28 transmits the data output from the electrical circuit 12 to another device. The communication line 28 is provided by a computer network. The communication line 28 can be provided by a standard such as CAN (registered trademark) (Controller Area Network). The communication line 28 is used, for example, to receive speed data, and to transmit steering angle data. The communication data CAN can pass through multiple signal lines, such as H signal and L signal.

[0060] The control device in this specification may be referred to as an electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit). The control device or control system is provided by (a) an algorithm as a plurality of logics in the form of if-then-else or (b) a learning model adjusted by machine learning, for example, an algorithm as a neural network. The control device is provided by a control system including at least one computer. The control system may include a plurality of computers linked by a data communication device. The computer includes at least one processor (hardware processor) as hardware. The hardware processor may be provided by the following (i), (ii) or (iii).

[0061] (i) A hardware processor may be at least one processor core that executes a program stored in at least one memory. In this case, the computer is provided by at least one memory and at least one processor core. The processor core is referred to as a CPU: Central Processing Unit, a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, a RISC-CPU, etc. A memory is also referred to as a storage medium. A memory is a non-transitory and tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores programs and / or data that can be read by a processor. The storage medium may be a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc. The program may be distributed as a single unit or as a storage medium in which the program is stored.

[0062] (ii) The hardware processor may be a hardware logic circuit. In this case, the computer is provided by a digital circuit comprising a plurality of programmed logic units (gate circuits). A digital circuit is also referred to as a logic circuit array, such as an ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, an FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, an SoC: System on Chip, a PGA: Programmable Gate Array, or a CPLD: Complex Programmable Logic Device. A digital circuit may include a memory for storing programs and / or data. A computer may be provided by an analog circuit. A computer may be provided by a combination of digital and analog circuits.

[0063] (iii) The hardware processor can be a combination of (i) and (ii). (i) and (ii) are placed on different chips or on a common chip. In these cases, part (ii) is also called an accelerator.

[0064] Control devices, signal sources and control objects provide various elements. At least some of these elements can be referred to as blocks, modules or parts. In addition, only when it is intended, the elements included in the control system are referred to as functional devices.

[0065] The control unit and method described in the present disclosure can be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a memory and a processor, and the processor is programmed to perform one or more specific functions implemented by a computer program of the memory. Alternatively, the control unit and method described in the present disclosure can be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured as a processor with one or more special hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit and method described in the present disclosure can be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers, and one or more special-purpose computers are configured to be programmed to perform a combination of a processor and a memory of one or more functions and a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program can be stored in a tangible non-transient computer-readable medium as an instruction to be executed by a computer.

[0066] Figure 2 Detailed configuration of the electric drive device 10 is shown. Components indicated by letter symbols and numerals 1 may be named “first.” Components indicated by letter symbols and numerals 2 may be named “second.”

[0067] The connector 11 has a plurality of electrodes. The connector 11 has a first connector and a second connector, the first connector includes a device-side connector 31 and a vehicle-side connector 33, and the second connector includes a device-side connector 32 and a vehicle-side connector 34. The electric drive device 10 has the connector 31 and the connector 32. In the connector 11, the operation switch system 24 passes only through the connector 31. In addition, in the connector 11, the communication system 27 passes only through the connector 31. That is, in the connector 11, the connector 31 and the connector 32 have electrodes arranged in an offset manner. The connector 31 and the connector 32 are not arranged in parallel.

[0068] The electrical circuit 12 has two power paths for the main power (+B) supplied from the power supply device 22. The main power (+B) supplied from the power supply device 22 is branched into two power paths outside the electric drive device 10. Each of the two power paths has a filter circuit (FLT1) 41 and a filter circuit (FLT2) 61 for blocking the noise of the main power supply. Each of the two power paths has a power cut-off circuit (RLY1) 42 and a power cut-off circuit (RLY2) 62, respectively. The power cut-off circuits 42 and 62 are arranged between the connector 11 and the motor 13 to interrupt the power supply. The power cut-off circuits 42 and 62 are also referred to as relay circuits. The power cut-off circuits 42 and 62 may include electromagnetic relays or semiconductor switching elements. Each of the two power paths has a power conversion circuit (INV1) 43 and a power conversion circuit (INV2) 63. The power conversion circuits 43 and 63 control the power supplied to the motor 13 according to a command from a control device described later. The power conversion circuits 43 and 63 control the power supplied from the power supply to the motor 13. The power conversion circuits 43 and 63 are multi-phase power conversion circuits. In this embodiment, the power conversion circuits 43 and 63 are three-phase power conversion circuits. The power conversion circuits 43 and 63 are also called inverter circuits.

[0069] The electric circuit 12 has a control device (CNT1) 51 and a control device (CNT2) 71 corresponding to each of the two power supply paths. The control device 51 includes a power supply circuit (PSC1) 52, an interface circuit (INF1) 53, an arithmetic processing unit circuit (CPU1) 54, and a drive circuit (DRV1) 55. The control device 71 includes a power supply circuit (PSC2) 72, an interface circuit (INF2) 73, an arithmetic processing unit circuit (CPU2) 74, and a drive circuit (DRV2) 75.

[0070] The power supply circuits 52 and 72 provide a constant voltage lower than the voltage provided from the power supply device 22. Each of the power supply circuits 52 and 72 is a constant voltage power supply for the arithmetic processing unit circuit. The power supply circuits 52 and 72 supply power to the arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 and the interface circuits 53 and 73. The power supply circuits 52 and 72 constitute a common circuit 90 as a substantial collection of circuits. The common circuit 90 constitutes a group of common power supply circuits 91 as a whole. The common power supply circuit 91 includes an OR circuit (OR) 92. In the common power supply circuit 91, the two power supply circuits 52 and 72 are connected via a connecting line 93 to supplement their power supplies. Therefore, in the common power supply circuit 91, the power supply circuits 52 and 72 are not separated independently from each other, but are integrated with each other to provide a continuous circuit. When one power supply is lost, the common power supply circuit 91 makes it possible to supply the power of another power supply to one circuit. In other words, in the common power supply circuit 91, the relationship is to supplement one power supply to each other when another power supply is lost.

[0071] exist Figure 3 , the common power supply circuit 91 includes a plurality of electrical components arranged on both the control device 51 and the control device 71. The electrical components include conductor patterns for providing circuits and electrical components. The common power supply circuit 91 has a constant voltage power supply circuit (CVPS1) 52a for the control device 51 and a constant voltage power supply circuit (CVPS2) 72a for the control device 71.

[0072] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the operation switch signal IG provided from the operation switch device 25 is branched into two paths inside the electric drive device 10. The common power supply circuit 91 receives the main power supply +B as a power supply and the operation switch signal IG (operation switch power supply IG). The common power supply circuit 91 includes filter circuits 52b and 72b in each of the two power supply systems. The filter circuits 52b and 72b block noise in the power supply. The filter circuits 52b and 72b include choke coils.

[0073] The common power supply circuit 91 includes an OR circuit 92. The OR circuit 92 is provided by diode elements 52c and 72c for preventing reverse connection and additional diode elements 92a and 92b. The diode elements 52c and 72c are arranged in the forward direction with respect to the power supply. The diode element 92a is arranged in the forward direction between the anode of the diode element 72c and the cathode of the diode element 52c. The diode element 92b is arranged in the forward direction between the anode of the diode element 52c and the cathode of the diode element 72c. The OR circuit 92 includes two connecting wires 93. When a power supply is lost due to a certain fault, the OR circuit 92 makes it possible to supply another power supply to a constant voltage power supply circuit. The common power supply circuit 91 supplements a power supply to each other between the two control devices 51 and 71 through the OR circuit 92. The OR circuit 92 is also referred to as a diode OR circuit.

[0074] Back to Figure 2 , the interface circuits 53 and 73 are I / O circuits. The interface circuits 53 and 73 process input signals and output signals of the arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74. The interface circuit 53 provides an I / O circuit for the control device 51. The interface circuit 73 provides an I / O circuit for the control device 71. The interface circuit 53 inputs the detection signal of the torque sensor 16, the communication data via the communication line 28, and the detection signal of the rotation position detector 85 described later. The interface circuit 73 inputs the detection signal of the torque sensor 17, the communication data via the communication line 28, and the detection signal of the rotation position detector 85 described later. The electrical circuit 12 includes a communication interface circuit 56 that processes the communication data via the communication line 28. In this embodiment, a single communication interface circuit 56 is set as a circuit belonging to the control device 51. The interface circuit 73 sends and receives communication data via the communication interface circuit 56.

[0075] The arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 have a so-called arithmetic processing unit (CPU) and a memory. The memory stores programs and data. The arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 perform pre-programmed arithmetic processing. The arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 calculate control amounts based on input / output signals and control the drive circuits 55 and 75. The arithmetic processing unit circuit 54 performs control processing of the control device 51. The arithmetic processing unit circuit 74 performs control processing of the control device 71. The arithmetic processing unit 54 controls the drive circuit 55 based on data input from the interface circuit 53. The arithmetic processing unit 74 controls the drive circuit 75 based on data input from the interface circuit 73.

[0076] The drive circuits 55 and 75 are circuits for controlling the power cutoff circuits 42 and 62 and the power conversion circuits 43 and 63 for the high power system by the control devices 51 and 71 for the low power system. The drive circuits 55 and 75 output drive signals for the power cutoff circuits 42 and 62 and the power conversion circuits 43 and 63. The drive circuit 55 controls the power cutoff circuit 42 and the power conversion circuit 43 according to a command from the arithmetic processing unit circuit 54. The drive circuit 75 controls the power cutoff circuit 62 and the power conversion circuit 63 according to a command from the arithmetic processing unit circuit 74.

[0077] The motor 13 has two stator coils 81 and 82. The stator coils 81 and 82 are mounted on a single stator core 83. The motor 13 has a single rotor 84. The stator coil 81 is connected to the power conversion circuit 43. Therefore, the power of the stator coil 81 is provided from the first power supply system including the power cut-off circuit 42. The stator coil 82 is connected to the power conversion circuit 63. Therefore, the power of the stator coil 82 is provided from the first power supply system including the power cut-off circuit 62. The motor 13 includes a rotation position detector (RTSN) 85. The rotation position detector (RTSN) 85 includes two redundant pairs of sensor groups and output circuits. The redundant rotation position detector 85 improves the reliability of the electrical circuit 12 and the motor 13.

[0078] The motor 13 is made redundant by having two stator coils 81 and 82. The torque sensor system 15 is made redundant by including two torque sensors 16 and 17. On the other hand, the power supply system 21 is not redundant. The operation switch system 24 is not redundant. The communication system 27 is not redundant. In other words, at least a part of the electric steering device 1 is made redundant. Therefore, the electric steering device 1 in the present embodiment is referred to as a partially redundant system.

[0079] In the electric drive device 10, redundancy is achieved in a plurality of circuits including the stator coils 81 and 82. However, the connector 11 and the common circuit 90 are not made redundant. Therefore, the electric drive device 10 in the present embodiment is a partially redundant system.

[0080] According to this embodiment, a highly reliable electric steering device 1 is provided. According to this embodiment, a highly reliable electric drive device 10 is provided. The connector 11 provides two connectors 31 and 32 belonging to the electric drive device 10. In other words, the connector 11 provides at least two connectors 31 and 32 having multiple electrodes for connecting a power source and multiple input / output signals. However, in the multiple connectors 31 and 32, the multiple electrodes are arranged asymmetrically. In the connectors 31 and 32 of each circuit system, the multiple electrodes are not separated independently. Multiple electrodes providing a function are centrally arranged in one connector. For example, electrodes for power switch signals IG or communication data CAN are arranged only in the first connector 31. If connectors 33 and 34 are mistakenly connected to connectors 31 and 32, the control devices 51 and 71 cannot operate normally. Therefore, according to this embodiment, incorrect assembly in the connector 11 can be displayed.

[0081] The common power supply circuit 91 is configured to supplement each other's power supply in the two control devices 51 and 71. Therefore, even when one power supply fails, power can be supplied to one circuit from another power supply, and the functions of the two control devices 51 and 71 can be maintained. As described above, the common circuit 90 provides a circuit. The circuit enables the two power supply circuits to act as a group of circuits and to supplement multiple power supplies to each other without having to separate them independently from each other. The partially redundant system provides high reliability. In addition, the common circuit 90 can provide an efficient circuit by enabling each other to supplement power supply while allowing redundancy of the power supply system.

[0082] Second embodiment

[0083] This embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the electric power steering device 1 provides a partially redundant system. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the electric power steering device 1 provides a fully redundant system.

[0084] exist Figure 4 , the power supply system 21 includes a power supply device (PWS1) 22 and a power supply device (PWS2) 223. The operation switch system 24 includes an operation switch device (PSW1) 25 and an operation switch device (PSW2) 226. The communication system 27 has a communication line (COM1) 28 and a communication line (COM2) 229. In this embodiment, all input systems constituting the electric steering device 1 are made redundant. Therefore, the electric steering device 1 in this embodiment is called a fully redundant system.

[0085] exist Figure 5, the torque sensor 16, the power supply device 22, the operation switch device 25 and the communication line 28 pass through the connectors 31 and 33. The torque sensor 17, the power supply device 223, the operation switch device 226 and the communication line 229 pass through the connectors 32 and 34. The communication data CAN1 of the communication line 28 passes through the communication interface circuit 56. The communication data CAN2 of the communication line 229 passes through the communication interface circuit 276.

[0086] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, the first power supply includes a first main power supply +B1 and a first operation switch signal IG1. The second power supply includes a second main power supply +B2 and a second operation switch signal IG2. The common power supply circuit 291 receives the first power supply and the second power supply. The common power supply circuit 291 provides a connection line 93 in the OR circuit 92 so that the first power supply and the second power supply can complement each other. Therefore, the electric drive device 10 in this embodiment is a partially redundant system.

[0087] Also in this embodiment, the partially redundant system provides high reliability. In addition, the common circuit 90 can complement each other while allowing redundancy of the power supply system, thereby providing an efficient circuit.

[0088] Third embodiment

[0089] The present embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the electric drive device 10 includes the common power supply circuit 91. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the electric drive device 10 includes the common interface circuit 391 as the common circuit 90.

[0090] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment, the electric drive device 10 includes a common circuit 90. The common circuit 90 includes a common interface circuit 391. The common interface circuit 391 supplements a part of the input / output signal between the control device 51 and the control device 71. The common interface circuit 391 includes a connection line 393 for supplementing a part of the signal with each other. The connection line 393 includes a plurality of signal lines to realize data communication.

[0091] Figure 8 A portion of a common interface circuit 391 is shown. The common interface circuit 391 has a circuit for processing signals from the torque sensors 16 and 17. The common interface circuit 391 complements the signals TQS1 and TQS2 between the control device 51 and the control device 71.

[0092] The common interface circuit 391 has a front-stage interface circuit (INF1PR) 53a and a rear-stage interface circuit (INF1SB-A) 53b for the signal TQS1 from the torque sensor 16. The signal TQS1 from the torque sensor 16 is processed into a signal that can be input to the arithmetic processing unit circuit 54 by passing through both the front-stage interface circuit 53a and the rear-stage interface circuit 53b.

[0093] The common interface circuit 391 has a front-stage interface circuit (INF2PR) 73a and a rear-stage interface circuit (INF2 SB-A) 73b for the signal TQS2 from the torque sensor 17. The signal TQS2 from the torque sensor 17 is processed into a signal that can be input to the arithmetic processing unit circuit 74 by passing through both the front-stage interface circuit 73a and the rear-stage interface circuit 73b.

[0094] Furthermore, the common interface circuit 391 has a connection line 393 for introducing an intermediate signal in the control device 71 to the control device 51. A signal from the front-stage interface circuit 73a of the control device 71 is input to the arithmetic processing unit circuit 54 after passing through the connection line 393 and the rear-stage interface circuit (INF1 SB-B) 53c. The common interface circuit 391 enables one arithmetic processing unit circuit 54 to provide both the signal TQS1 and the signal TQS2.

[0095] Furthermore, the common interface circuit 391 has a connection line 393 for introducing an intermediate signal in the control device 51 to the control device 71. A signal from the front-stage interface circuit 53a of the control device 51 is input to the arithmetic processing unit circuit 74 after passing through the connection line 393 and the rear-stage interface circuit (INF2 SB-B) 73c. ​​The common interface circuit 391 enables one arithmetic processing unit circuit 74 to provide both the signal TQS1 and the signal TQS2.

[0096] In this embodiment, the input / output signal includes a first input signal TQS1 belonging to one circuit system 12a and a second input signal TQS2 belonging to another circuit system 12b. The common interface circuit 391 as the common circuit 90 includes a first front-stage interface circuit 53a that processes and outputs the first input signal. The common interface circuit 391 also includes a first rear-stage interface circuit 53b, which further processes the output of the first front-stage interface circuit 53a and outputs the processed output to the arithmetic processing unit circuit 54 belonging to one circuit system 12a. The common interface circuit 391 includes a second front-stage interface circuit 73a that processes and outputs the second input signal. The common interface circuit 391 also includes a second rear-stage interface circuit 73b, which further processes the output of the second front-stage interface circuit 73a and outputs the output to the arithmetic processing unit 74 belonging to another circuit system 12b. The common interface circuit 391 further includes a third rear-stage interface circuit 53c that further processes the output of the second front-stage interface circuit 73a and outputs the processed output to the arithmetic processing unit circuit 54 belonging to one circuit system 12a. The common interface circuit 391 further includes a fourth rear-stage interface circuit 73c that further processes the output of the first front-stage interface circuit 53a and outputs the output to the arithmetic processing unit circuit 74 belonging to another circuit system 12b.

[0097] Fig. 9 Specific circuits of the common interface circuit 391 are shown. The front-stage interface circuit 53a is a low-pass filter circuit having a control transistor TR1. The front-stage interface circuit 73a is a low-pass filter circuit having a control transistor TR2. The rear-stage interface circuit 53b is a low-pass filter circuit. The rear-stage interface circuit 73b is a low-pass filter circuit. The rear-stage interface circuit 53c is a low-pass filter circuit. The rear-stage interface circuit 73c is a low-pass filter circuit. When the corresponding ports of the arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 have a fault, the rear-stage interface circuits 53b, 73b, 53c, 73c prevent the propagation of the fault.

[0098] Fig.10An example of the control process 310a in the arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 is shown. Each of the arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 performs the control process 310a. That is, the control process 310a is performed by the arithmetic processing unit circuit 54. At the same time, the control process 310a is performed in the arithmetic processing unit circuit 74. In step 310b, the arithmetic processing unit circuit inputs the signals TQS1 and TQS2. In step 310c, the arithmetic processing unit circuit evaluates the signals TQS1 and TQS2. The arithmetic processing unit circuit evaluates the signals to be input, for example, according to the circuit system. The signal TQS1 of the torque sensor 16 may include two signal components. In this case, the arithmetic processing unit circuit 54 evaluates the signal TQS1 based on the two signal components. The signal TQS2 of the torque sensor 17 may include two signal components. In this case, the arithmetic processing unit circuit 74 evaluates the signal TQS2 based on the two signal components. Alternatively, the arithmetic processing unit circuit may evaluate the signals TQS1 and TQS2 by comparing the signals TQS1 and TQS2. The evaluation in step 310c is an evaluation for determining an abnormality of the torque sensor. In step 310d, the arithmetic processing unit circuit determines whether both the torque sensor 16 and the torque sensor 17 are normal. If it is determined in step 310d that the data is normal, the process branches to yes. If it is determined in step 310d that the state is not normal (abnormal), the process branches to no.

[0099] In step 310e, the arithmetic processing unit circuit performs a pre-programmed normal process. The arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 perform control processing only according to, for example, a predetermined signal. For example, the arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 can perform control processing according to these two signals.

[0100] In step 310e, the arithmetic processing unit circuit performs a pre-programmed abnormality process. The arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 specify, for example, a torque sensor estimated to be abnormal. For example, the arithmetic processing unit circuits 54 and 74 perform control processing using a signal of another normal torque sensor instead of using a signal of the torque sensor estimated to be abnormal.

[0101] In this embodiment, the common interface circuit 391 is configured to supplement at least a portion of the input / output signals of each other in the two control devices 51 and 71. The connection line 393 is connected to supplement the input / output signal. Therefore, even if one of the input / output signals becomes abnormal, the other input / output signal can prevent one of the two control devices 51 and 71 from performing abnormal arithmetic processing. The common circuit 90 provides a circuit. The circuit enables the two I / O circuits to act as a group of circuits and complement each other without having to separate them independently from each other. The partially redundant system provides high reliability. In addition, the common circuit 90 can provide an efficient circuit by enabling each other to supply power while allowing redundancy of the power supply system.

[0102] Fourth embodiment

[0103] This embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned embodiment. In the third embodiment, the common interface circuit 391 is employed in a partially redundant system. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the common interface circuit is employed in a fully redundant system.

[0104] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment, the common circuit 90 includes a common interface circuit 491. The connection line 393 is the same as in the previous embodiment. The common interface circuit 491 includes the communication interface circuit 276. Also in this embodiment, a highly reliable electric drive device 10 is provided by the common interface circuit 491.

[0105] Fifth embodiment

[0106] The present embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned embodiment. In many of the above-mentioned embodiments, the electric drive device 10 includes two connectors 31 and 32. Alternatively, a single connector is employed in this embodiment.

[0107] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment, the connector 11 is provided by a single connector including a device-side connector 535 and a vehicle-side connector 536 .

[0108] exist Fig.13 , the arrangement of electrodes in the connector 535 is shown. The connector 535 has two groups of electrodes 535a and 535b for the main power supply +B, which is branched into two outside the electric drive device 10. The electrode group 535a includes two electrodes, for example, as a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The two groups of electrodes 535a and 535b are arranged symmetrically about the point symmetry center SC of the connector 535. The two groups of electrodes 535a, 535b can be arranged asymmetrically about the point symmetry center SC of the connector 535. The connector 535 has a plurality of signal electrodes 535c. The electrodes 535c are arranged asymmetrically about the point symmetry center SC of the connector 535. For each of the plurality of circuit systems, the connector 11 is not separated independently. A plurality of electrodes for redundant torque sensor signals TQS1 and TQS2 are mixedly arranged on one common connector 535. If the connectors 535 and 536 are assembled in the wrong direction, the control devices 51 and 71 cannot obtain the desired signals. Therefore, incorrect assembly in the connectors 535 and 536 is easily displayed.

[0109] According to this embodiment, an odd number of connectors 535 having multiple electrodes for connecting the main power supply +B and multiple input / output signals are provided. The electric circuit 12 is made redundant. Therefore, the reliability of the electric drive device 10 including the electric circuit 12 is improved. On the other hand, the odd number of connectors 535 enables the power supply and multiple input / output signals to be more efficiently connected to the multiple circuit systems 12a and 12b.

[0110] According to this embodiment, the connector 11 is not separated independently. The plurality of electrodes 535a, 535b and 535c included in the connector 11 are mixedly arranged in one connector housing. In addition, since the plurality of electrodes 535c are asymmetrically arranged about the point symmetry center SC of the connector 535, it is easy to show wrong assembly.

[0111] Sixth Embodiment

[0112] This embodiment is a modification based on the previous embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, a single connector is used in a partially redundant system. Alternatively, in this embodiment, a single connector is used in a fully redundant system.

[0113] exist Fig.14 In the embodiment, the connector 11 is provided by a single connector including a device-side connector 635 and a vehicle-side connector 636. Also in this embodiment, the connector 11 is not independently divided. Electrodes for redundant power supplies +B1 and +B2 are mixedly arranged on one common connector 635. Electrodes for redundant operation switch signals IG1 and IG2 are mixedly arranged on one common connector 635. Electrodes for redundant torque sensor signals TQS1 and TQS2 are mixedly arranged on one common connector 635. Electrodes for redundant communication data CAN1 and CAN2 are mixedly arranged on one common connector 635. Also in this embodiment, a plurality of electrodes are asymmetrically arranged on the connector 635. Therefore, incorrect assembly in the connector 11 can be easily displayed.

[0114] Seventh embodiment

[0115] This embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned embodiment. In the first embodiment, a common power supply circuit 91 including an OR circuit 92 is employed. Alternatively, in this embodiment, a common power supply circuit 791 directly connected to a power source is employed.

[0116] exist Fig.15 In the embodiment, the common circuit 90 is provided by a common power supply circuit 791. The common power supply circuit 791 includes a connection line 793.

[0117] Fig.16Detailed circuit of common power supply circuit 791 is shown. Connection line 793 directly connects the cathode of diode element 52c and the cathode of diode element 72c for preventing reverse connection. In addition, in this embodiment, common power supply circuit 791 is configured to supplement power supply through a group of circuits without independently separating two power supply circuits. Connection line 793 is connected to supplement power supply. In addition, in this embodiment, high reliability can be achieved. Connection line 793 provides a wired OR circuit.

[0118] Note that the common power supply circuit 791 can be used in a fully redundant system. For example, the common power supply circuit 791 can be used in place of the common power supply circuit 291 in the second embodiment.

[0119] Eighth Embodiment

[0120] This embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned embodiment. In the third embodiment, the common interface circuit 391 is adopted. Alternatively, the common interface circuit 891 is adopted in this embodiment.

[0121] exist Fig.17 In the embodiment, the common circuit 90 is provided by a common interface circuit 891. The common interface circuit 891 includes a connection line 893.

[0122] Fig.18 The detailed circuit of the common interface circuit 891 is shown. The connection line 893 is wired so that the input signal passing through the interface circuit 53 and the input signal passing through the interface circuit 73 complement each other. The connection line 893 is connected to complement the input / output signal. The arithmetic processing unit circuit 54 obtains both the input signal via the interface circuit 53 and the input signal via the interface circuit 73. The arithmetic processing unit circuit 74 obtains both the input signal via the interface circuit 53 and the input signal via the interface circuit 73. In addition, in this embodiment, the control process 310a of the third embodiment can be used. In addition, in this embodiment, the common interface circuit 891 is configured to complement the input signal by a group of circuits without independently separating two I / O circuits. In addition, in this embodiment, high reliability can be achieved.

[0123] Ninth embodiment

[0124] This embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the common interface circuit 491 is employed. Alternatively, the common interface circuit 991 is employed in this embodiment.

[0125] exist Fig.19In the embodiment, the common circuit 90 is provided by a common interface circuit 991. The common interface circuit 991 includes a connection line 893. In this embodiment, the electric power steering device 1 provides a fully redundant system. Therefore, the common interface circuit 991 includes a communication interface circuit 276 for the second communication line 229. In addition, in this embodiment, the common interface circuit 991 is configured to supplement the input signal through a set of circuits without independently separating the two I / O circuits. In addition, in this embodiment, high reliability can be achieved.

[0126] Tenth embodiment

[0127] This embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the power cutoff circuit 42 and the power cutoff circuit 62 are employed. Alternatively, in this embodiment, the common power cutoff circuit A91 is employed.

[0128] exist Fig. 20 In the embodiment, the common circuit 90 is provided by a common power cut-off circuit A91. The common power cut-off circuit A91 is a circuit common to the first circuit system and the second circuit system. The common power cut-off circuit A91 includes a connection line A93.

[0129] Fig.21 The detailed circuit of the common power cut-off circuit A91 is shown. The common power cut-off circuit A91 includes two switch elements SW11 and SW12 as the power cut-off circuit 42. The switch elements SW11 and SW12 allow the input of the main power supply +B when turned on. The switch elements SW11 and SW12 cut off the main power supply +B when turned off. The common power cut-off circuit A91 includes two switch elements SW21 and SW22 as the power cut-off circuit 62. The switch elements SW21 and SW22 allow the input of the main power supply +B when turned on. The switch elements SW21 and SW22 cut off the main power supply +B when turned off. The connection line A93 is connected between the switch element SW11 and the switch element SW12 and between the switch element SW21 and the switch element SW22. The connection line A93 is connected to supplement the power supply.

[0130] When any abnormality is detected, the arithmetic processing unit circuit 54 controls the first power cutoff circuit 42 to cut off the main power supply + B. In this case, the switch elements SW11 and SW12 are controlled to be disconnected. In this case, as indicated by the dotted arrow, the parasitic diode of the connection line A93 and the switch element SW11 continues to provide the main power supply + B.

[0131] Also in this embodiment, the common power cutoff circuit A91 is configured to supplement the main power supply +B with one set of circuits without independently dividing two power cutoff circuits. Also in this embodiment, high reliability can be achieved.

[0132] Note that the utility power cutoff circuit A91 can be used in a fully redundant system. For example, the utility power cutoff circuit A91 can be used in the second embodiment.

[0133] Eleventh Embodiment

[0134] This embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned embodiment. In many of the above-mentioned embodiments, the electric drive device 10 includes two connectors 31 and 32 or one common connector 535 or 536. Alternatively, in this embodiment, a plurality of connectors in which a plurality of electrodes are grouped by function are employed.

[0135] exist Fig. 22 In the embodiment, the connector 11 is provided by three connectors 11, and the three connectors 11 include connectors B31, B32 and B33 on the device side and connectors B34, B35 and B36 on the vehicle side. Connectors B31 and B34 have an electrode group for the main power supply +B. Connectors B31 and B34 are also called power connectors. Connectors B32 and B35 have an electrode group for multiple torque sensors 16 and 17. Connectors B32 and B35 are also called torque sensor connectors. Connectors B33 and B36 have an electrode group for a vehicle signal source, which includes an operating switch device 25 and a communication line 28. Connectors B33 and B36 are also called vehicle signal connectors. The connector 11 forms a different connector for each signal function applied to the electrode, and is not independently separated for each redundant circuit system.

[0136] Fig.23 The arrangement of connectors B31, B32 and B33 is shown. These three connectors B31, B32 and B33 have different shapes. These three connectors B31, B32 and B33 have different numbers of electrodes. For each redundant circuit system, connector 11 is not separated independently from each other. For each function, multiple connectors B31, B32 and B33 included in connector 11 are separated in odd numbers. Therefore, it is easy to show the wrong assembly in connectors 535 and 536.

[0137] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of electrodes in the connector 11. The high degree of freedom in the arrangement of electrodes makes it possible, for example, to connect the torque sensors 16, 17 and the connector B35 in an effective manner without being interfered with by other signal lines. According to this embodiment, in the electric steering device 1 or the electric drive device 10, an effective configuration can be provided for each function by the connectors B31, B32, and B33 while achieving high reliability. In addition, in this embodiment, the connectors B31, B32, and B33 provide an odd number of connectors.

[0138] The connectors B31, B32 and B33 may be used in a fully redundant system. For example, the connectors B31, B32 and B33 may be used in the second embodiment.

[0139] Twelfth Embodiment

[0140] The present embodiment is a modification based on the aforementioned embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the electric drive device 10 includes the common circuit 90. Alternatively, in this embodiment, an asymmetric connector 11 is employed without providing the common circuit 90.

[0141] exist Fig.24 In the embodiment, the connector 11 includes device-side connectors C31 and C32 and vehicle-side connectors C33 and C34.

[0142] The first connectors C31 and C33 connect the signal of the operation switch device 25. The first connectors C31 and C33 connect the signal of the communication line 28. The second connectors C32 and C34 do not connect the signal of the operation switch device 25 and the signal of the communication line 28. In other words, the connectors C31 and C33 and the connectors C32 and C34 are asymmetric with respect to the presence or absence of the pass signal. Therefore, if the connectors C31 and C33 are mistakenly connected to the connectors C32 and C34, the control devices 51 and 71 in the plurality of circuit systems cannot obtain the desired signal. Therefore, it is easy to display the wrong connection.

[0143] Fig.25 The arrangement of the connectors C31 and C32 in the electric drive device 10 is shown. The line symmetry axis SX is substantially shown between the connectors C31 and C32. The line symmetry axis SX passes between the connectors C31 and C32 and passes through the center of the electric drive device 10. The point symmetry center SC is substantially shown between the connectors C31 and C32. The point symmetry center SC is also the rotation center of the connectors C31 and C32.

[0144] The connector C31 and the connector C32 have different shapes with respect to the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes. Therefore, an erroneous connection in which the connector C34 is connected to the connector C31 is mechanically prevented.

[0145] In addition, regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector C31 and the electrode arranged in the connector C32 are not line symmetrical about the line symmetry axis SX. Regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector C31 and the electrode arranged in the connector C32 are not point symmetrical about the point symmetry center SC. Therefore, when an erroneous connection occurs, the control devices 51 and 71 in the plurality of circuit systems cannot obtain the desired signal. Therefore, it is easy to electrically display an erroneous connection.

[0146] In this embodiment, electrodes for multiple redundant circuit systems are centrally arranged in one connector C31. In other words, for each function, multiple electrodes for input / output signals are centrally arranged in multiple connectors C31 and C32. From another point of view, electrodes for multiple circuit systems are mixedly arranged in one connector C31. The signal of a single operating switch device 25 belonging to the operating switch system 24 passes through the electrode arranged only in the connector C31. The signal of the operating switch device 25 is branched into multiple circuit systems in the electric drive device 10. The signal on a single communication line 28 belonging to the communication system 27 passes through the electrode arranged only on the connector C31. The signal from the communication line 28 is branched into multiple circuit systems in the electric drive device 10. In addition, in this embodiment, for each redundant circuit system, the connectors 11 are not separated and independent from each other. In addition, in this embodiment, high reliability can be achieved in the electric steering device 1 or the electric drive device 10 while providing a high degree of freedom in the arrangement of electrodes in the connector 11.

[0147] Thirteenth Embodiment

[0148] This embodiment is a modification based on the twelfth embodiment. The asymmetric connector 11 can be realized by various arrangements of a plurality of electrodes. This embodiment provides an example of an asymmetric electrode arrangement on the connector 11.

[0149] exist Fig.24 In the embodiment, the connector 11 includes device-side connectors C31 and C32 and vehicle-side connectors C33 and C34. The first connectors D31 and D33 connect the signal of the operating switch device 25. The first connectors D31 and D33 connect the signal of the communication line 28. The second connectors D32 and D34 connect the two signals of the two redundant torque sensors 16 and 17. A plurality of electrodes for the two torque sensor signals TQS1 and TQS2 are centrally arranged in the connector D31. On the other hand, a plurality of electrodes for a plurality of circuit systems are mixedly arranged in one connector D31. From another point of view, for each function, a plurality of electrodes for input / output signals are centrally arranged in a plurality of connectors D32.

[0150] Fig. 27 The arrangement of the connectors D31 and D32 in the electric drive device 10 is shown. The connector D31 and the connector D32 have different shapes with respect to the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes. Therefore, an erroneous connection in which the connector C34 is connected to the connector C31 is mechanically prevented.

[0151] In addition, regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector D31 and the electrode arranged in the connector D32 are not line symmetrical about the line symmetry axis SX. Regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector D31 and the electrode arranged in the connector D32 are not point symmetrical about the point symmetry center SC. Therefore, when an erroneous connection occurs, the control devices 51 and 71 in the plurality of circuit systems cannot obtain the desired signal. Therefore, it is easy to electrically display an erroneous connection. In addition, in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the aforementioned embodiment can be obtained.

[0152] Fourteenth embodiment

[0153] The present embodiment is a modification based on the twelfth embodiment. This embodiment provides an example of an asymmetric electrode arrangement on the connector 11 .

[0154] exist Fig.28 In the embodiment, the connector 11 includes device-side connectors E31 and E32 and vehicle-side connectors E33 and E34.

[0155] The first connectors E31 and E33 connect the signal of the operation switch device 25. The first connectors E31 and E33 connect the signal of the communication line 28. The first connectors E31 and E33 connect the signal of the single torque sensor 16 that is not redundant. The signal of the operation switch device 25, the signal of the communication line 28, and the signal of the torque sensor 16 are branched to a plurality of circuit systems inside the electric drive device 10.

[0156] Fig.29 The arrangement of connectors E31 and E32 in the electric drive device 10 is shown. The connector E32 has a plurality of empty positions E37 for a plurality of electrodes. Regarding the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes, the connector E31 and the connector E32 have different shapes. Therefore, an erroneous connection in which the connector E34 is connected to the connector E31 is mechanically prevented.

[0157] In addition, regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector E31 and the electrode arranged in the connector E32 are not line symmetrical about the line symmetry axis SX. Regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector E31 and the electrode arranged in the connector E32 are not point symmetrical about the point symmetry center SC. Therefore, when an erroneous connection occurs, the control devices 51 and 71 in the multiple circuit systems cannot obtain the desired signal. Therefore, it is easy to electrically display an erroneous connection. In addition, in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the aforementioned embodiment can be obtained.

[0158] Fifteenth Embodiment

[0159] This embodiment is a modification based on the twelfth embodiment. This embodiment provides an example of an asymmetric electrode arrangement on the connector 11. In addition, this embodiment provides an example of application to a fully redundant system.

[0160] exist Fig.30 In the embodiment, the connector 11 includes device-side connectors F31 and F32 and vehicle-side connectors F33 and F34.

[0161] The first connectors F31 and F33 connect a signal of the operation switch device 25. The first connectors F31 and F33 connect a signal of the communication line 28. The first connectors F31 and F33 connect two signals of the two redundant torque sensors 16 and 17.

[0162] The second connectors F32 and F34 connect a signal of the operation switch device 226. The second connectors F32 and F34 connect a signal of the communication line 229.

[0163] In this embodiment, therefore, the electrodes for the signals of the redundant torque sensor system 15 are arranged centrally on the first connectors F31 and F33 .

[0164] Fig.31 The arrangement of the connectors F31 and F32 in the electric drive device 10 is shown. The connector F31 and the connector F32 have different shapes with respect to the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes. Therefore, an erroneous connection in which the connector F34 is connected to the connector F31 is mechanically prevented.

[0165] In addition, regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector F31 and the electrode arranged in the connector F32 are not line symmetrical about the line symmetry axis SX. Regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector F31 and the electrode arranged in the connector F32 are not point symmetrical about the point symmetry center SC. Therefore, when an erroneous connection occurs, the control devices 51 and 71 in the plurality of circuit systems cannot obtain the desired signal. Therefore, it is easy to electrically display an erroneous connection. In addition, in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the aforementioned embodiment can be obtained.

[0166] Sixteenth Embodiment

[0167] This embodiment is a modification based on the twelfth embodiment. This embodiment provides an example of an asymmetric electrode arrangement on the connector 11. In addition, this embodiment provides an example of application to a fully redundant system.

[0168] exist Fig.32 In the embodiment, the connector 11 includes device-side connectors G31 and G32 and vehicle-side connectors G33 and G34.

[0169] The first connectors G31 and G33 connect two signals of two redundant operation switch devices 25 and 226. The first connectors G31 and G33 connect the signal of the communication line 28. The first connectors G31 and G33 connect the signal of the torque sensor 16. The first connectors G31 and G33 connect two signals of two redundant communication lines 28 and 229.

[0170] The second connectors G32 and G34 connect the signal of the torque sensor 17 .

[0171] Therefore, electrodes for signals of the redundant operation switch system 24 are centrally arranged in the first connectors G31 and G33. In addition, electrodes for signals of the redundant communication system 27 are centrally arranged in the first connectors G31 and G33.

[0172] Fig.33 The arrangement of the connectors G31 and G32 in the electric drive device 10 is shown. The connector G31 and the connector G32 have different shapes with respect to the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes. Therefore, an erroneous connection in which the connector G34 is connected to the connector G31 is mechanically prevented.

[0173] In addition, regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector G31 and the electrode arranged in the connector G32 are not line symmetrical about the line symmetry axis SX. Regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector G31 and the electrode arranged in the connector G32 are not point symmetrical about the point symmetry center SC. Therefore, when an erroneous connection occurs, the control devices 51 and 71 in the multiple circuit systems cannot obtain the desired signal. Therefore, it is easy to electrically display an erroneous connection. In addition, in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the aforementioned embodiment can be obtained.

[0174] Seventeenth Embodiment

[0175] This embodiment is a modification based on the twelfth embodiment. This embodiment provides an example of an asymmetric electrode arrangement on the connector 11. In addition, this embodiment provides an example of application to a fully redundant system.

[0176] exist Fig.34 In the embodiment, the connector 11 includes device-side connectors H31 and H32 and vehicle-side connectors H33 and H34.

[0177] The first connectors H31 and H33 connect two signals of the two redundant operation switch devices 25 and 226. The first connectors H31 and H33 connect two signals of the two redundant communication lines 28 and 229.

[0178] The second connectors H32 and H34 connect the two signals of the two redundant torque sensors 16 and 17 .

[0179] Therefore, the electrodes for the signal of the redundant operation switch system 24 are centrally arranged in the first connectors H31 and H33. The electrodes for the signal of the redundant communication system 27 are centrally arranged in the first connectors H31 and H33. The electrodes for the signal of the redundant torque sensor system 15 are centrally arranged in the second connectors H32 and H34.

[0180] Fig.35 The arrangement of the connectors H31 and H32 in the electric drive device 10 is shown. The connector H31 and the connector H32 have different shapes with respect to the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes. Therefore, an erroneous connection in which the connector H34 is connected to the connector H31 is mechanically prevented.

[0181] In addition, regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector H31 and the electrode arranged in the connector H32 are not line symmetrical about the line symmetry axis SX. Regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector H31 and the electrode arranged in the connector H32 are not point symmetrical about the point symmetry center SC. Therefore, when an erroneous connection occurs, the control devices 51 and 71 in the multiple circuit systems cannot obtain the desired signal. Therefore, it is easy to electrically display an erroneous connection. In addition, in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the aforementioned embodiment can be obtained.

[0182] Eighteenth Embodiment

[0183] This embodiment is a modification based on the twelfth embodiment. This embodiment provides an example of an asymmetric electrode arrangement on the connector 11. In addition, this embodiment provides an example of application to a fully redundant system.

[0184] exist Fig.36 In the embodiment, the connector 11 includes device-side connectors 131 and 132 and vehicle-side connectors 133 and 134.

[0185] The first connectors 131 and 133 connect a signal for operating the switch device 25. The first connectors 131 and 133 connect two signals of the two redundant torque sensors 16 and 17.

[0186] The second connectors 132 and 134 connect the signal of the operation switch device 226. The second connectors 132 and 134 connect the two signals of the two redundant communication lines 28 and 229.

[0187] The electrodes for the signals of the redundant torque sensor system 15 are therefore arranged centrally in the first connectors 131 and 133. The electrodes for the signals of the redundant communication system 27 are arranged centrally in the second connectors 132 and 134.

[0188] Fig.37 The arrangement of the connectors 131 and 132 in the electric drive device 10 is shown. The connector 131 and the connector 132 have different shapes with respect to the arrangement of the plurality of electrodes. Therefore, an erroneous connection in which the connector 134 is connected to the connector 131 is mechanically prevented.

[0189] In addition, regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector 131 and the electrode arranged in the connector 132 are not line symmetrical about the line symmetry axis SX. Regarding the function (i.e., signal), the electrode arranged in the connector 131 and the electrode arranged in the connector 132 are not point symmetrical about the point symmetry center SC. Therefore, when an erroneous connection occurs, the control devices 51 and 71 in the multiple circuit systems cannot obtain the desired signals. Therefore, it is easy to electrically display an erroneous connection. In addition, in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the aforementioned embodiment can be obtained.

[0190] Other Implementations

[0191] The disclosure in this specification, drawings, etc. is not limited to the embodiments shown. The present disclosure covers the embodiments shown by those skilled in the art and their variations. For example, the present disclosure is not limited to the combination of parts and / or elements shown in the embodiments. The present disclosure can be implemented in various combinations. The present disclosure may have additional parts that can be added to the embodiments. The present disclosure covers the omission of parts and / or elements of the embodiments. The present disclosure covers the replacement or combination of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another. The disclosed technical scope is not limited to the description of the embodiments. The disclosed several technical scopes are indicated by the description in the claims, and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the description in the claims.

[0192] The disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. is not limited by the description of the claims. The disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. covers the technical ideas described in the claims, and also extends to a wider type of technical ideas than the technical ideas in the claims. Therefore, various technical ideas can be extracted from the disclosure in the specification, drawings, etc. without being limited to the description of the claims.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the electric drive device 10 is used as a power source for providing the electric steering device 1. Alternatively, the electric drive device 10 can be used for various applications. The electric drive device 10 can be used for a motor device for generating propulsion power, a brake device, a wiper device, etc.

[0194] In the above embodiment, redundancy is achieved by providing two circuit systems. Alternatively, redundancy can be achieved by providing multiple circuit systems, such as three, four, etc. In addition, the redundancy of two circuit systems and the redundancy of three circuit systems can be used together. For example, a separate arithmetic processing unit circuit can be a triple redundancy of three circuit systems.

[0195] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of diode elements 52c, 72c, 92a, and 92b are used to provide the OR circuit 92. Alternatively, a transistor element or the like may be used instead of the diode element.

[0196] In the above-mentioned multiple embodiments, at least one of the power cutoff circuits 42 and 62, the interface circuits 53 and 73, and the power supply circuits 52 and 72 is provided by a common circuit 90 shared by at least two of the multiple circuit systems 12a and 12b. When the electric drive device 10 has three or more circuit systems, the common circuit 90 can be shared by the three or more circuit systems. In addition, the electric circuit 12 may include a plurality of common circuits 90 that provide any two or more of the power cutoff circuits 42 and 62, the interface circuits 53 and 73, and the power supply circuits 52 and 72. In addition, the electric circuit 12 may include three common circuits 90 that provide all of the power cutoff circuits 42 and 62, the interface circuits 53 and 73, and the power supply circuits 52 and 72.

[0197] In the above-mentioned embodiments, various embodiments of the common circuit 90 have been described. Alternatively, the common circuits 90 in a plurality of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used together in a single embodiment. For example, the common power circuit 91 in the first embodiment and the common interface circuit 391 in the third embodiment may be adopted in a single embodiment. For example, the common power circuit 291 in the second embodiment and the common interface circuit 491 in the fourth embodiment may be adopted in a single embodiment. In addition, the structure of the connector 11 described in the above-mentioned embodiments may be used together with the common circuit 90.

Claims

1. An electric drive device, comprising: a motor (13) for driving an object to be driven; as well as An electrical circuit (12), comprising a plurality of circuit systems (12a, 12b) for controlling the motor, wherein: Each of the plurality of circuit systems comprises: a power conversion circuit (43, 63) for controlling the power supplied to the motor; an arithmetic processing unit circuit (54, 74) for calculating a control amount of the power conversion circuit based on a plurality of input / output signals; and a drive circuit (55, 75) for driving the power conversion circuit in response to a command from the arithmetic processing unit circuit, wherein: at least one circuit is provided by a common circuit (90) common to at least two circuit systems among the plurality of circuit systems, and wherein the at least one circuit includes a power cutoff circuit (42, 62) for cutting off power to the motor, an interface circuit (53, 73) for processing the plurality of input / output signals, and a power supply circuit (52, 72) for supplying power to the arithmetic processing unit circuit and the interface circuit; The common circuit includes connection lines (93, 393, 793, 893, A93) connected to connect the input / output signals in a manner that complements each other; The connected input / output signals include a first input signal (TQS1) belonging to one of the at least two circuit systems and a second input signal (TQS2) belonging to another of the at least two circuit systems, and wherein, The common circuit comprises: A first front-stage interface circuit (53a), which processes and outputs the first input signal; a first rear-stage interface circuit (53b) which further processes the output of the first front-stage interface circuit and outputs the output of the first front-stage interface circuit to an arithmetic processing unit circuit (54) belonging to the one circuit system; A second front-stage interface circuit (73a), which processes and outputs the second input signal; a second rear-stage interface circuit (73b) which further processes the output of the second front-stage interface circuit and outputs the output of the second front-stage interface circuit to an arithmetic processing unit circuit (74) belonging to the other circuit system; a third rear-stage interface circuit (53c) which further processes the output of the second front-stage interface circuit and outputs the output of the second front-stage interface circuit to an arithmetic processing unit circuit (54) belonging to the one circuit system; and A fourth post-stage interface circuit (73c) further processes the output of the first pre-stage interface circuit and outputs the output of the first pre-stage interface circuit to an arithmetic processing unit circuit (74) belonging to the other circuit system.

2. The electric drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The connection lines (93, 793, A93) are also connected to connect the power sources in a complementary manner.

3. The electric drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The connection line (93) provides an OR circuit (92).

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